Hygge: What is it + how to live a hygge lifestyle

I’m sure you’ve heard the word “hygge” and even heard people talk about what living a “hygge lifestyle“. But what does that even mean? Well, today I’m here to help!

The end of January is about the time that I get 100% over winter. Spring seems so far away, it just seems to get colder and colder, and the kids just get more and more restless. The high is in the negatives this week (-9 on Wednesday!!) so I thought it is the perfect time to talk about hygge!

I can oftentimes deal with seasonal depression in the middle of winter. There are so many different things you can try – more Vitamin D, sun lamps, etc. – but some of these may help you too! Often times it’s the outlook of each day that can help make or break my mood.

A friend of mine recently gave me a book on hygge and I decided I wanted to try to incorporate some of the concepts into my daily life this winter! It may just help me not just survive winter and perhaps even like it.

I’m sure we’ve all heard of hygge, especially after America grabbed hold of it in 2017 (after the UK did in 2016). We’re always behind the times a bit. 😉 It seems to be what everyone brings up every winter and everyone including the New York Times and the Today Show have talked about it.

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What is hygge?

Hygge is a Danish word that doesn’t have one specific meaning but according to Wikipedia, it’s a word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment. It’s more commonly associated with Denmark than Norway.

I love how it is described on the VisitDenmark website: “In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.”. The people of Denmark are consistently said to be some of the happiest people in the world (despite harsh winters!)I would imagine hygge has something to do with that.

I can totally get around something that encompasses coziness, contentment and friendliness! Can’t you? 🙂 Ok so now that we know a little bit of the meaning, how do you actually live a hygge life?

How to Live a Hygge Life

There are many ways to live a hygge life that you can start doing today and many of these don’t even cost any money! I encourage you to pick one of these to do this week and add on the rest throughout winter. If you make it a fun experience that you do each week, you’ll have something exciting to look forward to all winter!

Comfort Foods + Sweets + Hot Drinks

Fresh baked cookies, hot cocoa, maybe even a hot toddy…all encompass the feeling of hygge. Roy is always asking to bake cookies lately. Apparently he’s already learned what hygge is all about! (Or he just has a sweet tooth as most 2 year olds do!)

What’s more cozy than having some friends over to enjoy some fresh baked cookies and a warm drink on a cold winter evening?

It’s easy to do this around Christmastime but keep it up! And if you’re trying to be healthy and don’t want all those extra cookies around, leave some out for your postal service worker, bring some to your neighbors or have some friends over to enjoy them with!

Candles

Interesting enough, candles (unscented) are burned everywhere in Denmark – schools, office building, etc. Candles are meant to be an antidepressant which I, for one, can get behind! Nothing beats a flickering light (or lots of them!) throughout the day.

Fireplace

Is there anything cozier than curling up in front of fire? I didn’t think so. 😉 I love having our fireplace on throughout the day while we’re at home!

If you have a non-working fireplace, fill it with candles! You’ll kill 2 birds with one stone – fireplace AND candles!

{photo credit Chelsie Lopez}

Throw Blankets

You’re on your couch in front of your fireplace and if you’re anything like me you have about 5 different blankets within reach! I love ALL the throw blankets to get comfortable with in the wintertime! I pretty much use a throw blanket year round and have lighter weight and heavy ones depending on the season.

Feeling Cozy, Relaxed + Happy

How are ways that you feel like that? Are you reading a book? Playing a game with your spouse or friends? Pay attention to moments you feel cozy, relaxed and happy.

So the next time you’re feeling over winter and ready to lay in bed until spring, try baking some cookies, lighting a few candles and inviting some friends over for an evening of cozy relaxation. It may just lift your mood a bit!